In a World Beset by Conflict, Could Better Ways to Measure Peace Change the Funding Equation?

In a World Beset by Conflict, Could Better Ways to Measure Peace Change the Funding Equation?

Despite the need for peacebuilding dollars, U.S. philanthropies’ support for that work suffers from a lack of viable metrics. Search for Common Ground is tackling a complex task: how to better measure peace.

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What a Big Gift to the Heritage Foundation Says About the State of Conservative Philanthropy

What a Big Gift to the Heritage Foundation Says About the State of Conservative Philanthropy

The Diana Davis Spencer Foundation recently committed $25 million to the Heritage Foundation, not surprising giving its longtime support. But the gift also reflects tensions in conservative giving.

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Here Are the Top Philanthropy Stories We're Following in 2023

Here Are the Top Philanthropy Stories We're Following in 2023

Every year, we ponder where philanthropy seems to headed and compile the big-picture currents that we see running through the sector. Here’s what we’re watching this year.

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Behold the Philanthrosphere: A Wild, Wondrous World

Behold the Philanthrosphere: A Wild, Wondrous World

The philanthropic ecosystem is verdant, teeming with life, and often quite treacherous. IP’s Philip Rojc channels his inner Attenborough to document the many inhabitants of this strange and fascinating landscape.

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Four Things We Actually Like About DAFs

Four Things We Actually Like About DAFs

Donor-advised funds are the target of a lot of criticism, including in the pages of Inside Philanthropy — and for good reason. But setting aside their worst flaws, we have to admit that DAFs have a lot to offer.

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The End of AmazonSmile: Another Win for “Strategic” Corporate Philanthropy

The End of AmazonSmile: Another Win for “Strategic” Corporate Philanthropy

Amazon’s decision to axe its popular donation program isn’t necessarily a surprise at a time of tech sector belt-tightening and more strategic corporate giving. But it still feels at odds with where philanthropy’s headed.

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So What Exactly Is the Philanthrosphere, Anyway?

So What Exactly Is the Philanthrosphere, Anyway?

We use the term “philanthrosphere” quite often in our coverage of the sector. But with today’s evolving charitable entities and disruptive mega-donors, it’s harder to pin down exactly what that means. We gave it a shot.

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In Defense of the Foundation

In Defense of the Foundation

The incorporated and staffed foundation, often operating in perpetuity, has been outpaced in recent years by alternative vehicles for giving. While they can be a bit stodgy, foundations still play a critical role in civil society.

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How Philanthropy Might Surprise Us in 2023

How Philanthropy Might Surprise Us in 2023

Philanthropy can be a bit stodgy, but especially in recent years, the sector has kept us guessing. Here are a few ways philanthropy might surprise us in 2023 — some good, some not so good.

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Bill Gates' Perpetuity Problem

Bill Gates' Perpetuity Problem

Bill Gates says he wants to spend down in 25 years, but that’s hard to square with the foundation he’s built — a technocratic global health juggernaut that, in an earlier era, would almost certainly have been intended for perpetuity.

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Philanthropy Trend Watch: A Few Ways the Sector Is Changing for the Better — and the Worse

Philanthropy Trend Watch: A Few Ways the Sector Is Changing for the Better — and the Worse

As the year draws to a close, we take a look at some developments in philanthropy that have us feeling optimistic about the future, and others that are less encouraging.

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Rose-Colored Glasses: The Trouble With Industry Numbers on American Generosity

Rose-Colored Glasses: The Trouble With Industry Numbers on American Generosity

This time of year, we see a lot of big numbers celebrating Americans’ outsize generosity. While there are things to celebrate, such industry-generated figures often gloss over concerning trends related to inequality.

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Three Questions We Have About a Philanthropic Future Dominated by DAFs

Three Questions We Have About a Philanthropic Future Dominated by DAFs

As of last year, American donors are putting quite a lot more into donor-advised funds than they are into foundations. Even as calls for reform persist, we consider what the future might look like should this trend continue.

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Will Jeff Bezos Disrupt Philanthropy Like He Disrupted Retail? It's Doubtful

Will Jeff Bezos Disrupt Philanthropy Like He Disrupted Retail? It's Doubtful

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez announced this week they will give most of the Amazon founder’s fortune away. Staggering dollar amounts aside, we can likely expect a fairly conventional philanthropic project.

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MacKenzie Scott’s Far-Reaching Giving Continues to Grow. What Impact Is She Having?

MacKenzie Scott’s Far-Reaching Giving Continues to Grow. What Impact Is She Having?

Another update from America’s most exciting mega-donor shows an ever-evolving set of focus areas, which now include charter schools and lots of global giving. One question we still have: How does it all fit together?

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Five Midterm Election Takeaways for Philanthropy

Five Midterm Election Takeaways for Philanthropy

The 2022 midterm elections turned out not to be the bloodbath that Democrats — and funders supporting progressive issues — feared it would be. What can philanthropy learn from our latest fraught election cycle?

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In a Fast-Changing Political Landscape, How Is the Democracy Alliance Evolving?

In a Fast-Changing Political Landscape, How Is the Democracy Alliance Evolving?

It’s a very different world than it was when the Democracy Alliance formed, way back in the Bush era. How has this progressive donor powerhouse, once the only game in town, changed over the years? And where is it headed?

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What We Learned From a Deep Dive into Economic Justice Advocacy Funding

What We Learned From a Deep Dive into Economic Justice Advocacy Funding

For our latest State of American Philanthropy report, we analyzed the small pool of funders taking on the public policies and power arrangements that govern economic life. Here’s a quick overview of what’s happening.

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What Can We Learn from the Results of Kellogg's Big Racial Equity Challenge?

What Can We Learn from the Results of Kellogg's Big Racial Equity Challenge?

Structured as a global competition, Racial Equity 2030 prompted both excitement and criticism when it launched two years ago. Five winners have been revealed, but the work is just beginning. Here are some takeaways.

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Should Philanthropy Be Paying More Attention to Struggling Men and Boys?

Should Philanthropy Be Paying More Attention to Struggling Men and Boys?

Even as men continue to dominate society at the top, many are falling through the cracks, with sad and disturbing consequences. Can funders make a difference?

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